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FEATURED STORIES
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OCBC’s Own Escorts Barack Obama!
Workforce Development Director, Alicia Berhow, Reflects on her Meeting with the Democrat Presumptive Nominee.
On August 16 an extraordinary thing happened. Orange County managed to get both Presidential candidates, Senators’ John McCain and Barack Obama without a fundraiser! It was the Civil Forum hosted by Saddleback Church and Pastor Rick Warren. It was an amazing event where Senators' Obama and McCain spoke about faith, leadership and responsibility.
Two days prior I happily volunteered my time for my friend Jeff Kiernan, who is on staff for the Obama Campaign. I would be working with the advance team and Secret Service with the staff from the time they landed in Long Beach Airport to the OC, specifically, Lake Forest.
Who knew, but I ended up riding with Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod and Linda Douglass, former investigative reporter with KNBC news in Los Angeles.
The staff, Secret Service and CHP could not have been more gracious. I was able to see Senator Obama's portion live in the chapel that easily held 3,500 people (I watched Senator McCain’s portion later in the evening). But what I was thrilled to observe was several members of every walk of life, including Jewish, Muslims and Buddhists, Latinos and African-Americans, young people and seniors, in the crowd of evangelical Christians.
Volunteering for the campaign for the day was a pleasure, but what I got out of the event was something more significant in message. In a campaign season that will inevitably become negative, it was awe-inspiring to see a congregation being respectful to both views, from both sides of the aisle. Pastor Warren made it clear from the beginning that both of these men were his friends. While he didn’t agree with them on everything, Pastor Warren’s point was that we, as Americans, can disagree without being disagreeable. In the business of politics, one statement always resonates with me: Country before party and party before candidate.
Whoever may win the most complex and demanding job on the planet come November 4, it is important to work together. Easier said than done I know, but I still believe it is possible.
BTW - Thanks Jeff!
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There's a New Sheriff in Town!
Join OCBC at Its Chairman's Leadership Breakfast
Join the Orange County Business Council as the Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series continues with newly elected Orange County Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens presented by Rutan and Tucker, LLP. The breakfast will be held Monday, September 15, 7:30 a.m. at the Center Club in Costa Mesa.
The Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast is an opportunity for OCBC Investors to hear from business executives and key influencers. Past OCBC Chairman Tom Phelps of Manatt will interview the new sheriff in a candid, no-holds barred format. The audience gains unique insight about her background, rise to influence and leadership philosophy.
Register here or for more information contact Matt Prince at 949.794.7221.
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The Workforce Development Conference Is Back!
The Orange County Business Council, in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, present the 2008 Workforce Development Conference. This annual forum brings business and workforce-education leaders together to cultivate a workforce fit for an increasingly interdependent and competitive global economy.
This year's keynote speaker is Ron Whittier, co-founder of Tech Futures which brings career options to under-resourced, at-risk youth through technical skills training. The Workforce Development Conference features the unveiling of the 2008 "Workforce Indicators Report" by OCBC's Dr. Wallace Walrod. A copy of this important work will be provided at no cost to all attendees.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Anaheim Marriott
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
OCBC Member Tickets -- $60
Non Member Tickets -- $75
(Includes conference materials, lunch and self parking.)
To register, or for more information, visit www.ocbc.org.
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Public Hearing on 241 Toll Road Set for September 22
A hearing before the US Department of Commerce on the proposed 241 Foothill South toll road has been rescheduled for September 22, from 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Del Mar.
The hearing is part of the Transportation Corridor Agency's appeal of the February denial of their proposed toll road by the Coastal Commission. OCBC maintains that completion of the 241 is essential to long term prosperity of Orange County, and accommodating its continued growth, and encourages the business community to testify at the hearing in support of the road’s completion.
Also last week, a researcher from the world famous Scripps Institute concluded that the 241 will have no negative impact on surfing or wave formation in the vicinity of San Mateo Creek known as Trestles. This is yet another independent endorsement of TCA’s good environmental planning. For more information on TCA and the Foothill South 241 Toll Road visit http://www.relievetraffic.com.
Foothill/Eastern TCA Federal Consistency Appeal
Monday, September 22, 2008
10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
O’Brien Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
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Porter Novelli Tracks Down "Greenfluencers" and
Studies their Impact on Consumers
Environmental concerns have become more and more mainstream, and now ordinary consumers are looking for products that are environmentally responsible. But those who want to do the right thing face a daunting set of choices. These consumers tend to pay more attention to friends, relatives and third parties who take an active interest in the environment: Porter Novelli calls them "Greenfluencers." Just as consumers pay attention to what Greenfluencers are saying, so should brands and organizations.
To track down and profile Greenfluencers, Porter Novelli surveyed nearly 500 respondents who deliberately factor environmental awareness into their behavior and are influential in an active social network. These are the Greenfluencers, read Porter Novelli’s analysis of what they’re saying, and the impact it’s having, here.
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Rutan & Tucker Reports on Key Workplace and
Intellectual Property Rulings
OCBC member Rutan & Tucker has issued a series of reports examining recent court decisions on issues affecting the California workplace. Each has potentially profound impacts on a range of industries.
California Supreme Court Reaffirms Ban on Employee Non-Competition Agreements
Although this decision may be viewed unfavorably by employers seeking reasonable limits on post-employment conduct to protect their legitimate business interests, it may provide comfort to employers when hiring current or former employees of competitors, who sometimes use such customer non-solicitation restrictions as a way to deter the hiring.
Should Intellectual Property Be Part of Your Business Plan?
The simple answer to this question is Yes. In today's age of original thinking and creative and intuitive marketing, having sound Intellectual Property and the proper protection for that Intellectual Property is tantamount to the success of any business venture.
Court of Appeal Clarifies Meal and Rest Break Requirements
A California Court of Appeal recently issued a long-awaited meal and rest break decision, resolving several key issues concerning California's requirements in this area.
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Workforce Development
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Building Industry Technology Academy Needs Your Help
Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) is a pilot program that provides high school students with practical skills while bringing relevance to high school academic studies. The program focuses on basic academic skills such as reading, math, science and history while incorporating construction knowledge through hands-on activities, mentoring, and presentations.
BITA works closely with both public and private sector practitioners to build cutting edge industry skills. Recently, the Building Industry Association of Orange County and the North Orange County Regional Occupational Partnership joined together to train BITA instructors with first hand exposure to sustainable building practices.
You can help the continued development and expansion of the BITA program while enjoying fabulous wine, and decadent food at the Annual BITA Fundraiser, Wine Country Safari. This event is being held on at Rancho Las Lomas Zoological Gardens and Villa in Silverado, California on Thursday October 2, 2008. Guests will enjoy cuisine from local restaurants paired with a variety of wines and desserts. For more information about BITA view event details here or contact Lawrence Jones of the Building Industry Association of Orange County at (949) 553-9500 x125.
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OCDE To Increase Awareness of California's Current Water Crises
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) in collaboration with UCI-UNESCO, the Ocean Institute, Disney Environmentality Challenge, and the Wyland Foundation attempt to increase community awareness about the water issue amongst students in California. Through this collaboration, students will be empowered to share their creative ideas for water conservation with representatives and scientists from around the world.
The contest is eligible of students in grades K-12 attending school in Orange County. The contest hopes to increase awareness of California's current water crises and create innovative problem-solving solutions to promote water conservation.
For more information on the OCDE Water Innovation Now (WIN) contest and the UCI-UNESCO International Water Scarcity and Global Changes Conference contact Ana Rothwell.
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Infrastructure
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John Wayne Airport Begins Construction on Terminal
Business Travelers Should Check for Parking
John Wayne Airport (JWA) will permanently close its Parking Structure B1 September 2 in order to make room for a new 250,000 square-foot third terminal building, set to open in 2011. Part of JWA’s Airport Improvement Program, the new Terminal C will feature six new bridged aircraft gates, more security checkpoints, a replacement parking structure and additional amenities for airport visitors.
OCBC praises JWA for undertaking this much needed expansion and looks forward to the increased capacity it will bring to the county’s economy. During construction, airport visitors are advised to utilize other parking options, outlined here.
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Investor Spotlight
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OCBC Welcomes Goodwill of Orange County
OCBC is proud to honor Goodwill of Orange County. For 84 years Goodwill of Orange County has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment. Thanks to the proceeds from its 19 retail stores, shopgoodwill.com and a variety of business and workforce services including packaging and assembly services, document destruction and E-Waste solutions, Goodwill is able to reinvest in its mission, directing 91 cents of every dollar spent directly into its services.
Goodwill of Orange County has consistently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator, based on its organizational efficiency and capacity. When businesses form a partnership with Goodwill, they’re forming a partnership with the community and making a commitment to the environment. They are also giving the gift of independence. For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Doug Wooley at (714) 547-6308 ext. 352.
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OCBC Recognizes CresaPartners
OCBC is pleased to recognize new investor CresaPartners LLC, part of the fifth largest commercial real estate group in the world and one of the fastest-growing corporate real estate advisory firms in the country.
With 45 North American offices and over 600 employees, CresaPartners offers a complete line of fully integrated corporate real estate services exclusively for tenants/space users of commercial and industrial real estate. Its mission is to provide customized solutions exclusively for tenants/corporate space users by offering fully integrated services that align their real estate with their business plans, delivering maximum cost savings and exceeding expectations.
For more information contact Senior Advisor Mike Johnson at 949.706.6600.
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Upcoming Events
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Committee Meetings
August - September 2008
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Tuesday,
August 12 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Wednesday,
August 20 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Friday,
September 5 |
Latino Educational Attainment, 9:00 a.m. |
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Tuesday,
September 9 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Friday,
September 12 |
Advocacy and Government Affairs, 9:00 a.m. |
All meetings are at OCBC's main offices unless otherwise indicated. Please also view OCBC's Master Calendar.
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Community Events
Senior Job Fair
Saturday, September 13
The City of Irvine is hosting its second annual Senior Job Fair on Saturday, September 13th, 2008. It will take place at the Lakeview Senior Center from 8:30am to 12:30pm. There will be two enrichment workshops to work on resume writing and interview techniques. For more information please call (949) 724-6808 or visit www.irvineseniors.org.
2008 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure
Sunday, September 28
The Susan G. Komen 2008 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure will take place at Fashion Island in Newport Beach September 28, raising significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception in 1992, the Race for the Cure in Orange County alone has raised more than $18 million in the fight, and last year it brought more than 30,000 people to Newport Beach. Funds raised during the Komen Race for the Cure Series support the vision of a world without breast cancer. For more information visit www.komenoc.org or call 714-957-9157.
Rancho Santiago Community College District - Chancellor’s Ball
Friday, October 24
The eleventh annual Chancellor’s Ball, “By the Light of Lanterns,” will be a celebration of diverse Asian cultures. Since 1998, the black tie optional event has raised nearly $650,000 to support student scholarships and programs at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. The 2008 Chancellor’s Ball is slated for Friday, October 24 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. For information on sponsorships or to RSVP, contact (714) 480-7450 or visit www.rsccd.org
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